to find C----in a state to talk about the matter than I would
through the day."

As soon as tea was over, urged on by his wife, Paul put on his hat
and started for the residence of Mr. C----. Unfortunately, that
gentleman had gone out, and Paul turned away from his door much
disappointed.

"I will call the first thing in the morning," he consoled himself by
saying. "I will be sure to find him in then."

I am sorry to say that Paul was just going to do what he had
promised Lucy he would do immediately, at least half-a-dozen times
on the next day, but still failed in accomplishing his intended
visit to Mr. C----. Mrs. Burgess scolded vigorously every time he
came home, and he joined her in condemning himself, but still the
thing had not been done when Paul laid his head that night rather
uneasily upon his pillow.

When Lucy returned and related to her mother how kindly Mr. Burgess
had received her, promising to call upon Mr. C----and secure the
situation, if possible, the widow's heart felt warm with a grateful
emotion. Light broke in upon her mind, that had been for a long time
under a cloud.

"He was always a kind-hearted man," she said, "and ever ready to do
a good deed. If he should be so fortunate as to obtain this place
for you, we shall do very well; if not, heaven only knows what is to
become of us."